San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome
Aerial view of San Pietro in Vincoli. Image © Google Earth.
St. Peter's chains enshrined at the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli. Photo licensed under GFDL.
Michelangelo's Moses statue (1515). Photo
Prasenberg.
Location map and aerial view of San Pietro in Vincoli. For a larger interactive view, see our Rome Map.
San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains) is a minor basilica in Rome that houses St. Peter's chains and Michelangelo's famous Moses statue.
History
The basilica was first built in the middle of the 5th century to house the relic of the chains that bound Saint Peter while imprisoned in Jerusalem, given to Pope Leo I by Empress Eudoxia (wife of Emperor Valentinian III).
According to legend, when the pope held them next to the chains from of Peter's first imprisonment in the Mamertine Prison in Rome, the two chains miraculously fused together.
The basilica has undergone several restorations and rebuildings, including a restoration by Pope Adrian I, a rebuilding by Pope Sixtus IV and another by Pope Julius II. There was also a renovation in 1875. Some modernizations were made at that time.
What to See
The chains said to have held Peter in Rome and Jerusalem are kept in a reliquary under the main altar in the basilica.
Michelangelo's magnificent Moses, which dates from 1515, is the most notable piece of artwork in the basilica. It was originally intended as part of a 40-statue funeral monument for Pope Julius II.
Getting There
From the V. Cavour Metro station, cross the boulevard and walk up the flight of stairs. Turn right into the piazza; the church is on the left.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | San Pietro in Vincoli; St. Peter in Chains |
| Location: | Rome, Lazio, Italy |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Dedication: | St. Peter |
| Categories: | Churches; Catholic Shrines |
| Date: | 5th C with later renovations |
| Features: | Relics |
| Status: | active |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | Piazza San Pietro in Vincoli 4A, Rome, Italy |
| Coordinates: | 41.893573° N, 12.493354° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Phone: | 06-4882865 |
| Public transport: | Metro: V. Cavour. |
| Opening hours: | Spring/summer: daily 7am-12:30pm and 3:30-7pm Autumn/winter to 6pm |
| Cost: | Free |
Travel Resources
- Rome Map - our detailed interactive map of Rome, plus hand-picked links to more
- Rome Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
- Rome Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and activities in Rome
- Rome Car Rentals - enjoy more travel freedom by picking up a car in Rome
- Rome Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- St. Peter in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli) - Frommer's Attraction Review
- San Pietro in Vincoli - Fodor's Online Travel Guide
Last updated on July 9, 2010.
